I'm helping my friend build her first PC on a budget of around €800. She'll be studying video game graphics, CGI, and VFX, and wants to play games as well. I thought it would be smart to opt for DDR5 and the latest socket for future upgrades. Here's what I've picked so far: a Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, MSI PRO B650-S WIFI motherboard, a used Intel Arc A750 GPU, and some other components. However, I'm not entirely sure if I'm making the best choices, especially since my own experience is limited. Any tips or suggestions on my build would be really appreciated!
5 Answers
It's crucial to check the specific software your friend will use for her studies. Many 3D applications run better on Nvidia because they're optimized for it. Your current build looks decent, but I would tweak it, maybe even stretch the budget a bit for a more reliable GPU to avoid hiccups later on. Also, saving for a better build after the first semester could be a viable option if her needs don't arise immediately.
Most 3D and VFX software is designed with Nvidia support in mind, so I'd avoid Intel and AMD GPUs if possible. Keep an eye on the used market—it’s very possible to find a decent RTX 3070 for under €200!
What country is your friend in? Prices can vary a lot in the EU, and that might help with finding good deals.
Honestly, I'd just go for the RTX 3060. The Intel card can have compatibility issues for beginners, and some software works significantly better with Nvidia. Since you're building on a budget, keep an eye out for used parts—there might be some great deals out there!
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check out used Nvidia cards.
The Ryzen 5 7600 is a solid choice, especially for single-threaded tasks like those in 3D and VFX. However, I recommend upgrading to 2x16GB RAM instead of 2x8GB since it will help with multitasking. You could even use the stock cooler to save some cash for now. As for the Intel Arc A750, consider looking for a second-hand Nvidia card like the RTX 3060—it performs better in gaming and has better support for certain software used in CGI and video editing. Also, you might save some cash by opting for a simpler case or a micro ATX motherboard.
That's a good point! Waiting a bit could lead to better choices later on.